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Strategy
Bergner's Inbound team, integrated in the Operations department under the leadership of Héctor Huerta, is responsible for ensuring that our products are received punctually and in optimal conditions in our warehouses. Under the coordination of Pedro Muñoz, this team manages the entire logistics flow from its origin, mainly in China, to its reception in the destination countries. Their work goes beyond moving containers: it involves anticipating, coordinating, optimizing costs and making decisions to ensure product availability.
Which people from other offices do you collaborate with most frequently?
We work closely with colleagues from Italy (Samuele, Tommaso, Matteo), Vienna (Natan, Avi, Lidija, Romana, Lucija), Germany (Steven, Yvonne, Jennifer), and Mexico (Marco). In Spain, we collaborate daily with the Sales (both Commercial and Sales Admin), Finance, Customer Service, Quality, and Warehouse departments.
How would you define your team's role at Bergner and why is it key to global operations?
The Inbound team manages the flow of goods from origin to our warehouses in Europe. Our role is crucial because we ensure product availability under the required conditions and timing, minimizing delays and optimizing logistics costs. Without efficient management, there would be stockouts, extra costs, and a loss of competitiveness.
What are the key processes you manage and how do they impact the customer experience?
From purchasing needs analysis to customs coordination, all our processes focus on ensuring availability and efficiency. We manage supplier orders, optimize loads, plan bookings, supervise documentation, and consolidate shipments. This ensures inventory is available when and where it’s needed.
What are the main challenges and how do you address them?
The main challenges include unpredictable situations (like shipping blockages or geopolitical issues), supplier delays, and vessel space shortages. We tackle these by analyzing historical data, diversifying forwarders, and maintaining early communication with internal teams.
What strategies do you use to optimize transport and reduce costs?
We use High Cube containers to maximize volume, consolidate loads into FCL to reduce LCL shipments, and negotiate annual agreements with forwarders to secure better rates and service stability.
What tools do you use to improve planning and tracking?
We rely on Demand Planning tools, real-time tracking platforms, and digital integration with forwarders. These help us act quickly and make informed decisions.
What are your main areas of improvement for the future?
We aim to further digitalize the supply chain, optimize order and transport planning, automate document and customs management, and implement more sustainable strategies such as rail transport.
When is your busiest time of the year and how do you prepare for it?
Our peak season is usually the last quarter, due to the Christmas and Black Friday campaigns, along with the lead-up to Chinese New Year. We prepare with advance planning and close coordination with key teams to avoid disruptions.
Which departments do you collaborate with and how is that daily relationship?
In Zaragoza, we work closely with Sales, Finance, Customer Service, Quality, and Warehouse departments. Internationally, we are in constant contact with our teams in Italy, Vienna, Germany, and Mexico.
How is the team structured and what are their main functions?
The department is divided into two sub-areas: Procurement and Shipping, led by Delia and Juanlu respectively. Procurement includes Delia, Eduardo, Pedro, Leticia, and Juan; Shipping includes Juanlu, Karen, Silvia, Carla, Álvaro, and Diego.
